TL;DR
What to inspect before hail and wind season hits Ohio, and when to call for a professional assessment.
Spring in Ohio brings heavy rain, hail, and wind that expose weak spots in your roofing system. A short pre-season walkthrough, outside and in the attic, can prevent small issues from turning into emergency repairs.
Start with a ground-level scan
Walk the perimeter of your home and look for:
- Lifted or missing shingles along ridges, valleys, and roof edges
- Granule buildup in gutters or at downspout outlets
- Sagging gutters or separated seams that overflow during rain
- Flashing gaps around chimneys, skylights, and wall intersections
If you spot damage after a recent storm, document it with photos before any temporary fixes. That documentation helps whether you file an insurance claim or schedule a repair.
Check the attic for early warning signs
Moisture rarely appears where the leak starts. In the attic, look for:
- Water stains on decking or rafters
- Daylight visible through the roof deck
- Moldy or compressed insulation near the eaves
- Nail pops pushing through shingles from below
Proper attic ventilation reduces ice dams in winter and heat buildup in summer, both of which shorten shingle life.
Trim back tree cover
Overhanging branches scrape shingles in wind and drop debris that holds moisture. Trim branches at least six feet from the roofline before storm season, and clear gutters once leaves stop falling.
When to call a professional
Schedule an inspection if your roof is 15+ years old, you see interior water stains, or you had hail in your area during the last season. A professional inspection includes photos, flashing review, and an honest repair-vs-replace recommendation, without pressure to replace more than you need.
What to do after a storm hits
- Photograph visible damage from the ground. Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof.
- Place buckets under active interior leaks and move valuables away from affected areas.
- Call for emergency tarping if decking is exposed.
- Request a written scope before signing any repair contract.
Need a pre-season inspection? Book a free roof inspection with Dominion Exteriors and get a clear photo report before the next storm rolls through.